The Ultimate Guide to Cold Chisel’s Big Five-0 Tour 2024
Aussie rock legends Cold Chisel are hitting the road again for a milestone celebration—their 50th-anniversary tour, aptly titled “The Big Five-0.” This tour is a big deal as it marks half a century of timeless hits and unforgettable performances. Let’s dive into what makes this tour special, the band’s storied history, and how you can get your hands on those coveted tickets.
A Look Back at Cold Chisel’s Legacy
Cold Chisel has been a cornerstone of Australian rock since their formation in 1973. The band’s lineup includes Jimmy Barnes on vocals, Ian Moss on guitar, Don Walker on keyboards, Phil Small on bass, and Charley Drayton on drums. The original members also included bassist Les Kaczmarek and drummer Steve Prestwich, both of whom have sadly passed away.
With eight studio albums under their belt—all of which cracked the Australian top five—the band’s success is unquestionable. Notable albums like “Circus Animals” (1982) and “Twentieth Century” (1984) even hit No. 1 on the charts. Singles such as “Forever Now” (1982) and “The Things I Love in You” (1998) have left a lasting impression, while “Khe Sanh” (1978) remains one of the greatest Australian songs of all time.
The Cold Chisel Australian Tour: What You Need to Know
Why is Cold Chisel’s Australian tour called “The Big Five-0”?
Celebrating 50 years in the music industry is no small feat. This tour isn’t about promoting a new album; it’s about honouring their journey, their fans, and the timeless tracks that have defined generations. Cold Chisel’s performances are legendary, from high-energy rock anthems to soul-stirring ballads, and this tour promises to be no different.
What are the Cold Chisel tour dates and locations?
The tour kicks off on October 5th in Armidale, the band’s old stomping grounds from the mid-70s when Don Walker was studying there. The tour will span seven weeks, taking the band through major Australian cities and culminating in Adelaide on November 17th, a fitting end as it’s where the band originated.
Here’s the full list of dates and venues:
Queensland
- October 8th, 7:00pm – Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
- October 30th, 6:00pm – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
- November 2nd, 5:00pm – Victoria Park Herston, Herston
- November 3rd, 5:00pm – Victoria Park Herston, Herston
Victoria
- October 25th, 5:00pm – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- October 26th, 5:00pm – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- November 9th, 1:30pm – Victoria Park, Newington
- November 10th, 1:00pm – Mornington Racecourse, Mornington
- November 22nd, 6:00pm – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
- November 23rd, 6:00pm – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Tasmania
New South Wales
- November 16th, 6:00pm – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
- November 30th, 1:30pm – Roche Estate, Pokolbin
- December 4th, 6:00pm – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Australian Capital Territory
- November 28th, 5:00pm – Patrick White Lawns, Canberra
How do you get your Cold Chisel Australian tour tickets?
Eager to be part of this historic tour? Secure your tickets by visiting the Queen of Tickets website for all the details on availability, pricing, and seating arrangements.
Cold Chisel’s Musical Evolution
Cold Chisel’s music is a tapestry of diverse genres—rockabilly, hard rock, and soul’n’blues. Their songs are not just tunes but narratives that reflect the Australian urban and working-class experience. From energetic rock anthems to touching ballads and political commentaries, their music has resonated with Aussies across generations.
Despite their wild lifestyles, especially Jimmy Barnes’ notorious hard-drinking image, Cold Chisel’s live performances, authenticity, and raw energy have always set them apart.
Honours and Accolades
Cold Chisel’s contributions to Australian music have not gone unnoticed. They were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1993, and their song “Khe Sanh” is a permanent fixture in the pantheon of Australian rock. The band was also honoured with The Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music in 2016. In March 2021, Cold Chisel Lane was dedicated in Adelaide, celebrating their early days and lasting impact.
The Cold Chisel Band Lineup: Past and Present
The current lineup of Cold Chisel consists of:
- Jimmy Barnes – Vocals
- Ian Moss – Guitar
- Don Walker – Keyboards
- Phil Small – Bass
- Charley Drayton – Drums
Over the years, the band has seen some changes. Steve Prestwich, the original drummer, was part of the band until his untimely death in 2011. Les Kaczmarek, the original bassist, passed away in 2008. Ray Arnott also briefly played drums from 1983 to 1984. Other notable collaborators include harmonica player Dave Blight and singer Renée Geyer.
A Celebration of Cold Chisel’s Enduring Legacy
With their unique ability to capture the spirit of Australia through music, “The Big Five-0 Tour” is a chance to experience Cold Chisel, one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, live for possibly the last time.
These guys have defined Australian rock for five decades. Their music, filled with powerful narratives and emotional depth, continues to resonate with fans old and new. If you’re looking to witness history in the making, grab your tickets, relive the classics, and celebrate Cold Chisel’s incredible journey. This is the soundtrack of Australian life, be apart of it today.